Aston Villa expect John McGinn back for Brentford test

Villa expect to have John McGinn back for Sunday’s trip to Brentford.

Published Dec 27, 2021

Aston Villa's John McGinn during the Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture date: Saturday November 20, 2021. PA Photo. See PA Story SOCCER Villa. Photo credit should read: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

The influential midfielder missed the Boxing Day defeat to Chelsea with what is believed to have been a Covid-related issue – though that was unconfirmed by the club.

Assistant boss Gary McAllister confirmed McGinn is due to return to training on Friday, putting him in line to feature against the Bees.

Head coach Steven Gerrard is also expected back at Bodymoor Heath that day at the end of his own isolation period following a positive test.

Villa have been boosted by the return of Bertrand Traore from injury though the Burkina Faso international, who made his first appearance since October in the loss to Chelsea, will shortly leave for the Africa Cup of Nations.

His fellow winger Leon Bailey remains several weeks away from a return. The £25million summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen has started just three Premier League matches for Villa and hasn’t featured since going off injured early in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the start of the month.